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Social welfare & Empowerment

Scheme for Grant of Pension Benefits to Journalists

The scheme "Scheme for Grant of Pension Benefits to Journalists" offers a monthly pension of ₹6,000/- to qualified journalists who are 58 years or above in age, and have served for a minimum of 20 years in roles such as Full-time Editor, Reporter, Sub-Editor, Press Photographer/Videographer, etc.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Puducherry

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Pension Amount: ₹6,000/- per month, or as may be fixed by the Government from time to time.- Date of Payment: Payment will be made on the 10th of every month.- Mode of Payment: Payment will be made through the Electronic Clearing System.

Who can apply

The applicant should be a citizen of India.; The applicant should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence for not less than ten years.; The applicant should be 58 years or above in age at the time of application.; The applicant should have served for a minimum of 20 years in roles such as Full-time Editor, Reporter, Sub-Editor, Press Photographer / Videographer / Correspondent of a Newspaper/Periodical/News Agency/Electronic Media, including Newspapers and Periodicals published in Puducherry and News Agencies/Electronic Media having headquarters outside Puducherry.; In the case of Media Persons who are unable to pursue their profession on account of chronic ill-health or are permanently incapacitated from performing their job, the pension shall be sanctioned if they have put in service for at least 10 years in any capacity (as mentioned in Point 4), irrespective of their present age, if they meet all the other eligibility criteria.; The applicant should not be receiving pension/honoraria from the Central/State Government.; In the case of the death of the journalist, his/her spouse is eligible for 50%)of the pension.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Can media persons suffering from chronic ill-health or permanent incapacitation apply for pension benefits, and if so, what are the conditions?

Yes, media persons unable to pursue their profession due to chronic ill-health or permanent incapacitation may apply for pension benefits if they have completed at least 10 years of service, irrespective of their present age. Other eligibility conditions still apply.

What is the quantum of pension provided under the scheme?

The quantum of pension under the Scheme for Grant of Pension Benefits to Journalists is [?]6,000 per month, subject to adjustments as fixed by the government from time to time.

When does the pension become payable, and what is the mode of payment?

Pension becomes payable from the first month of sanction and is due at the end of each month. Payments are made on the 10th of each month through the Electronic Clearing System.

Can you provide details on the circumstances under which the Director of Information and Publicity has the right to stop the payment of pension?

The Director of Information and Publicity can stop the payment of pension if it is found that the pension was sanctioned on mistaken grounds, false information was provided, or the conditions for granting the pension no longer exist. Before stopping the pension, the pensioner is entitled to an opportunity to be heard either in person or in writing.

What happens if the pensioner or family pensioner passes away before receiving the pension for a particular period?

If the pensioner or family pensioner passes away before receiving the pension for a specific period, the unpaid amount for that period shall be lapsed.

Is there an appeal process available for pensioners who are aggrieved by a decision of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government of Puducherry (Information and Publicity)?

Yes, any pensioner aggrieved by a decision of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government of Puducherry (Information and Publicity) may appeal to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Puducherry, and the decision of the Chief Secretary shall be final.

How is "Electronic Media" defined in the scheme?

"Electronic Media" refers to Audio and Visual Media units engaged in Broadcasting/Telecasting of News and registered with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi.

How are "Newspapers/Periodicals" defined in the context of the scheme?

"Newspapers/Periodicals" refer to any newspaper/periodical duly registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India, Government of India, New Delhi.

How is the sanctioning process documented and maintained?

The Director of Information and Publicity, Puducherry, maintains a Register of sanction in Form-V for pension. This register serves as an official record of all sanctioned pensions, providing transparency and accountability in the administration of the scheme.

How is "Family" defined under the scheme?

"Family" refers to the Media Person and his/her wife/husband and children excluding major children. Major children are those who are independent and separated from their parents.

How does the scheme accommodate individuals who may not have an Experience Certificate in Form-II?

In cases where Media persons are unable to produce an Experience Certificate in Form-II, the Assistant Director of the concerned section can provide the necessary certificate based on records available in the Department. This ensures a flexible approach in recognizing the service history of applicants.

What is the role of the Revenue Department in the application process?

The Revenue Department plays a crucial role in the application process by providing the Nationality/Nativity/Residence and Income certificate, which is a prerequisite for applying for pension under the scheme.